Category Archives: Blogging

October 2, 2015 · 7:23 PM

The Training Plan by Jeff Galloway


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Here are some great training plan tips by Jeff Galloway!

WHY SHOULD I HAVE A TRAINING PLAN?  When using a proven strategy, a runner gains control over fatigue while improving motivation.  Those who follow the right training plan, for the individual,  tend to improve more, with less injury risk.

WOULD BEGINNERS BENEFIT MORE FROM A PLAN?  Unfortunately, most beginners “run as they feel” or follow conflicting advice.  This leads to confusion and more aches and pains.   The right schedule will systematically increase the type of running needed for a goal, with strategic rest for rebuilding.

KEY TRAINING ELEMENTS:

1) A longer run builds endurance

2) a hilly run builds strength

3) Scenic or social runs insert fun and keep you coming back for more.

WHAT IS ADDED TO A PLAN IF THE GOAL IS TO RUN FASTER?  The right training plan will gradually increase the speed repetitions needed for the individual goal.  Easier days and rest days must be inserted before and after speed workouts.  To avoid injury, the pace and the increase must be realistic for the individual.

EVERY OTHER DAY:  Most runners — especially beginners — run best when they run every other day.  This allows for the “weak links” to heal.  The very slow long run is usually on the weekend, when there is more time available.  Hills and fun days can be run on the short runs during the week (For example: Tuesday and Thursday)

SHOULD I EXERCISE ON NON-RUNNING DAYS? While you don’t have to exert yourself on non running days to improve your running, exercise will energize your mind, and improve your attitude and vitality — while burning some fat.  So, I recommend any exercise that does not fatigue the calf muscle, such as recreational walking.

DOES VARIETY HELP?  Changing things a bit can improve motivation.  You don’t have to change the “mission” on specific days, but alternating some of the courses or running with different groups can make each day more interesting.

WHAT ARE VARIOUS MISSIONS FOR VARIOUS DAYS? Each type of run bestows a different benefit.  Hill runs build strength.  Drills that work on cadence, gentle acceleration and gliding will improve your running form.  Long runs produce stamina and endurance.

WHAT SHOULD I DO THE DAY BEFORE AND THE DAY AFTER LONG OR FASTER RUNS?  Take it easy on these days.  Do little or no exercise, don’t overeat, drink 8 glasses of water/sports drinks, and focus on how you will enjoy the next run.

SHOULD I SKIP THE REST DAYS TO IMPROVE MORE QUICKLY?  Not Recommended!  It is during the days off from running that the running body rebuilds and improves.  While some runners can get away with running short and slow runs on rest days for a while, these “junk miles” can compromise recovery and lead to injuries.

IF I DON’T LIKE A WORKOUT, CAN I SUBSTITUTE? Following a consistent plan is more likely to lead to success and improve motivation. Those who pick various elements from different schedules experience more burnout and injury.

 

 

 

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NEW!

Jeff Galloway‘s Customized Training Plan!

This is for runners of all levels, from beginning to ultra, with busy schedules or without a local Galloway training program.

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Jeff’s proven method has helped hundreds of thousands to achieve their goals, injury-free. Whether you’re a beginner or a Boston Qualifier, let us customize a plan that allows you to “have a life” while achieving your goals.
Your 6-month Custom Training Plan includes –
• A customized training schedule to your target race over the next season
• Daily email reminders of upcoming workouts
• Based upon your current conditioning
• Drills to improve running form, efficiency, and speed
• For runners at every fitness level, from beginning runners to ultra-runners
• Perfect for those without a local Galloway Program or with busy schedules – See more at: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/customized-training/#sthash.2bhhrWdT.dpuf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Register now for the Jeff Galloway 13.1 Half Marathon weekend from December 11-13th. 

  • Jeff Galloway 13.1 – Sunday, Dec. 13th
  • Barb’s 5K Presented by BeeCause – Saturday, Dec. 12th
  • NEW Fit Kids Run/Walk – Saturday, Dec. 12th

Register now!

 

We’re finally having some much cooler weather around here and can’t wait to get out and enjoy it!  I hope all of you have a great weekend and happy running!!!

 

 

As a Galloway blogger,  I’ve been provided tips by Jeff Galloway to share with my readers.  There is no compensation for this post.

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May 1, 2015 · 8:56 PM

FIVE WAYS TO GET FASTER by Olympian Jeff Galloway


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Longer Long Runs

Increasing the length of the longest long run has produced the greatest amount of improvement that I’ve seen among my coaching clients.  Several surveys have shown more than 13 minutes of time improvement when runners increase their longest long run from 20 miles to 26 miles before a marathon.  Comparable time improvements are experienced in 10K runners and half marathoners when they increase their long runs above race distance as noted in my YEAR ROUND PLAN book that covers all the distances.  Long runs must be at least 2 min/mi slower than current ability, with liberal walk breaks.  The slower the pace, the quicker the recovery.  I suggest doing the long runs every 2-3 weeks.

Speed Repetitions—increasing the number

My runners have improved by an average of over 6 minutes in a marathon (3+ minutes in a half marathon) by increasing the number of speed repetitions to 14 x 1 mile for the marathon, and 14 x 800 meter for the half marathon.  I recommend that each of these be run 30 sec/mi faster than goal pace.  The recovery interval is a 5 min walk between miles and a 3 minute walk between 800’s.  These workouts prepare one to maintain or pick up pace at the end of the goal race, instead of slowing down.  See GALLOWAY TRAINING PROGRAMS & HALF MARATHON books for details (www.RunInjuryFree.com).

Improve Running Form

Most runners I’ve monitored have improved several minutes in a marathon by fine-tuning their running form.  As the mechanics become smoother and within one’s limits, there is a significant reduction in aches, pains and injuries.  The two best ways to improve form are water running and cadence drills.
•   Water running uses the same basic motion as when running on land, using a flotation device so that the feet don’t touch the bottom of the pool.  When done for at least 15 minutes, once a week, the legs find a more efficient path through the water—eliminating extraneous motion.
•   The cadence drill is done for 30 seconds, counting the number of times the foot touches the ground.  This drill is detailed in most of my books.  I’ve found the key to improving speed on the mechanical side is quicker turnover.

 Race in Shorter Events

Dropping down a standard distance or two can improve your mechanics for running faster and your ability to handle a higher level of oxygen debt.  On non-long-run weekends, during a half marathon program, try some 5K or 10K races.  When training for a marathon, race at the 10K or half marathon distance.  At first, the faster pace of the shorter distance may seem awkward.  But after several short races, you will adapt—especially if you do some speed training for the shorter/faster event.  These performance improvements can translate into faster times in the longer distances.  My book 5K/10K details the training and the racing strategies for these events.

Hill Training

The only way I’ve found to build strength for running is to run hill repeats.  On a moderate grade hill, start at a jog and pick up the turnover rate of the feet and legs as you go up the hill, shortening your stride.  Walk down the hill for recovery.  Don’t sprint, and follow the other hill training guidelines in my books and at www.RunInjuryFree.com.  The strength from hill training will allow you to perform better in speed sessions which will help you improve in your goal race.  You’ll also run faster on hilly courses, during your races.

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Save NOW and register for the Jeff Galloway 13.1 and Barb’s 5K.  Prices increases tomorrow May 2nd!  Don’t let your readers miss out on these savings! Register now at http://www.jeffgalloway131.com.

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Listen and share this great podcast “Jeff Galloway’s Tips For Beginner Runners” with Mark Kennedy from Healthynomics!  From how Jeff got running to breathing while you run; it’s all here!

 

Have a great weekend and happy running!

As a Galloway blogger,  I’ve been provided tips by Jeff Galloway to share with my readers.  There is no compensation for this post.

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April 16, 2015 · 5:36 PM

Tips from Jeff Galloway: Four Ways To Energize Your Day and Clear Your Brain


jeffgallowayBy Olympian Jeff Galloway

www.RunInjuryFree.com

It’s natural to become focused on the big things in life, and worry about outside forces, building stress.  A few simple lifestyle adjustments can result in greater control over attitude and energy, while reducing stress and fatigue.  Yes, you can exert more control over your life, produce positive attitude hormones, and blend together body, mind and spirit by planning and taking action.

•   Walk or run, one day and a walk (or cross train) the next.  While the exertion will wake up the muscles, you’re away from the phone, allowing the mind a little freedom.  Most who start with a blank mental state, finish their exercise session with the day planned, and a few new ways to deal with problems.  Others like to walk/run during lunch hour, while munching on an energy bar.  This can clear out morning stress and prepare mind-body for the challenges of the afternoon.  Many evening exercisers believe that the weight of the day’s stress is erased or contained with the after-work workout.  Scheduling these outings gives you control over your existence.


•   Don’t sit–walk!.  The addition of a few extra short walks, throughout the day, will energize the body and activate the mind.  Park farther away from work, the food store, the transit station, etc.  Many of my clients use a step counter for motivation and calorie counting.  It helps to find one that is consistent and reliable (usually @ $30).  Shoot for 10,000 steps a day.  You are rewarded for  getting out of your chair (or the couch) more often.  These short walks burn fat, which adds up (up to 30 pounds a year!).  The best reward is the head clearing effect, which can power you through the mid morning or mid afternoon energy crises.  Even a 3-4 minute “recess” walk at work, can result in clearer thinking, more energy, and greater self-confidence.   


•   Eat more frequently.  Each time you eat, even a small snack, you’ll boost your energy level. The longer you wait to eat, the more likely your metabolism will slump into drowsiness and laziness.  This also means that you’re not burning many calories.  If you divide up your daily calorie budget into 6-9 snacks a day you’ll burn more fat (up to 10 pounds a year).  Eat a snack every 2-3 hours, and you can feel better all day.  It helps to choose foods that have (percentage of calories vs total calories) about 20% protein, about 15% fat and the rest in complex carbohydrate.  This combination will leave you satisfied longer with fewer calories consumed.  To experience a fat loss, consumption can be managed through websites or journals.  For more information, see A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO FAT BURNING by Jeff and Barbara Galloway.


•   Help someone exercise. The psychological benefits are significant when you help someone improve the quality of their life.  Offer to walk (run, hike) with your spouse, parent, friend co-worker, child—or all of the above.  My books WALKING & GETTING STARTED have proven programs with motivation which can lead you and your “coach-ee” through the training. 

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BLOGGER EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT!
Register now for the Jeff Galloway 13.1 with your exclusive blogger ONLY discount code.
Use code JGBLOGGER for $10 off.
(This could is for personal use only.)
http://www.jeffgalloway131.com
I hope everyone is having a great week! 🙂
 As a Galloway blogger,  I’ve been provided tips by Jeff Galloway to share with my readers.  There is no compensation for this post.

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March 31, 2015 · 5:00 AM

Training and Motivation Tips from Jeff Galloway


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Hi everyone! I hope you’re having a great day! Here’s more helpful training and motivation tips from Olympian Jeff Galloway.

 

Why do we get injured?

1.  Be aware of irritation of weak links.

 The Key Weak Links are body parts where my runners tend to experience injuries are these: Knees – Feet – Calf – Achilles – Hip – Glute/piriformis/sciaticia

 But the body parts that YOU need to be aware of are the sites where you are injured or suffer more aches and pains.

 So, if you’re sensitive to the first indication of irritation in these areas and take immediate action it’s possible to avoid injury.

 2.  Stress buildup due to the way we train.

  • Training schedule is too intense-not enough rest between stress.
  • Adverse Training Components-speed is too fast or has too much, too soon.
  • Running form-too long a stride, forward lean, bouncing too high off the ground.

 Staying focused on the way one runs and following these guidelines, can often allow runners to maintain a manageable increase without injury.

Top 5 ways to avoid stress buildup and avoid injuries

 1.  Take walk breaks more frequently, and run shorter run segments

2.  Form: shorter stride, feet low to the ground

3.  Slower long runs, with more walk breaks

4.  Avoid Stretching

5.  Be careful when running speed sessions

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Have a great week and happy running!!
 As a Galloway blogger,  I’ve been provided tips by Jeff Galloway to share with my readers.  There is no compensation for this post.

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March 17, 2015 · 1:41 PM

Jeff Galloway’s Training Tips for this week


Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here are more of Jeff’s training and motivation tips!

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Training and Motivation Tips

by Olympian Jeff Galloway

 www.runinjuryfree.com

  • Most injuries experienced by my runners are due to 1) pacing long runs too fast, 2) increasing the weekly mileage too quickly, 3)lengthening stride and 4) stretching.
  •  The principle in staying injury free is to balance gentle stress with the right recovery periods-allowing for rebuilding. (for more information, see my book RUNNING INJURIES)
  •  Finding the right Run Walk Run strategy from the beginning of a run has been the best way I’ve found to stay injury free, come back from an injury and in some cases, continue to run while the injury heals. (See my book RUN WALK RUN)

Are you concerned that running will damage joints, and other body parts ? I was told this regularly, from my first week of running over 50 years ago but the research shows the opposite result: Runners have healthier joints, etc. than non runners as the decades go by.

  • While researching for my book RUNNING UNTIL YOU’RE 100, I reviewed dozens of studies and could not find one showing that running harms legs, feet, joints, etc.
  • It may surprise you to know that many studies show that runners have fewer orthopedic issues compared with non-runners as the years go by.
  • A respected and large population study out of Stanford following thousands of runners over 50 who had run for more than 20 years concluded that runners had less than 25% of orthopedic issues compared with non runners of the same age.
  •   As long as you stay below the threshold of irritation you can often continue to run while the injury heals.
Runners from Austin, Duluth, Denver, Metro Dc, NW Indiana, and Montgomery County, MD – We are coming to you! There is a Galloway Training Program starting near you in the month of March! Check the calendar for more information.
LAST CHANCE! 
All Roads Lead To Rome!
Deadline extended until March 8th.
(Time & Space is now limited – 2 slots left)
Sign up at www.RunITALY.com or www.RunROME.com
Have a great week!
As a Galloway blogger,  I’ve been provided tips by Jeff Galloway to share with my readers.  There is no compensation for this post.

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February 24, 2015 · 4:59 PM

More of Jeff Galloway’s Training and Motivation Tips


As you know, I’m now a Jeff Galloway blogger and I’ll be providing training and motivation tips regularly from Jeff. I followed his program for my last marathon and got a PR!

Here are some pointers for this week:

Training and Motivation Tips

by Olympian Jeff Galloway

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Olympian Jeff Galloway http://www.runinjuryfree.com

 

  • The training journey for a marathon or half marathon raises your body’s physical performance capability and your sense of what you can do in life.

 

  • Running helps to bring body, mind and spirit together in a unique and wonderful way

 

  • In researching my book MENTAL TRAINING I discovered that running turns on brain circuits for a better attitude more vitality and empowerment better than other activities studied.

 

  • In researching my book RUNNING UNTIL YOU’RE 100, I found numerous studies showing that runners have healthier orthopedic units than non runners even after decades of running.

 

 

Training:

  •  When a runner takes walk breaks early and often enough for the individual the muscles are strong to the end.  See RUN WALK RUN at www.jeffgalloway.com for recommendations by pace per mile.

 

  • The “exhaustion wall” can be avoided by running longer long runs up to or beyond race distance-using the appropriate run-walk-run strategy.

 

  • Marathoners tend to improve time by an average of more than 15 minutes when they increase their longest run from 20 miles to 26 miles.

 

  • To recover fast, run the long runs at least 2 min/mi slower than you could currently run in a marathon

 

  • The right run-walk-run strategy from the beginning of each run, gives any runner control over fatigue, injury-elimination, and recovery.

 

  • In numerous surveys, runners improved over 13 minutes when they shifted from running continuously to use of the right run-walk-run strategy.


Looking to run a half marathon or marathon that goes beyond the ordinary?   RUN ITALY Tours offers more than others do and travel with “Coach Jeff”.

March 22, 2015 – Rome Marathon 26.2, 13.1 and 5K distances
Book NOW at www.RunITALY.com!

 

2014 Virtual Half Marathon and 5k (Inaugural)
Last chance to become a “Legacy” participant!
Closes March 1, 2015
    ** Register at – https://jeffgalloway131.com/registration/ **
Expires 3/1/15
Have a great week!

 

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February 10, 2015 · 1:51 PM

Jeff Galloway’s Training and Motivation Tips


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Olympian Jeff Galloway

I was absolutely thrilled to find out recently that I had been chosen to participate as a Jeff Galloway Blogger! I’ve used his run/walk methods in the past and then trained strictly for my last marathon (more on that in another post!) that was on January 25, 2015 using run/walk intervals and I set a PR!!

By being a Jeff Galloway Blogger, I’ll have the opportunity to share valuable information with you on training straight from Jeff weekly!

Here are some tips from Jeff this week:

Training and Motivation Tips

by Olympian Jeff Galloway

  • When paced correctly, running delivers the best attitude boost you can get. Sustain this by pacing yourself gently during the first mile or three.

 

  • A well-paced run enhances vitality for the rest of the day.  Start each run at least 30 seconds a mile slower than you will run at the end.

 

  • If you have a Run Walk Run strategy that is right for you on that day, it’s possible to feel good after every run-even the marathon.

 

  • Running is the best stress reliever I’ve found. Research shows that running tends to activate the conscious brain which over-rides the emotional subconscious brain and manages the negative and anxiety hormones during and after the run.

 

  • Research shows that as runners get faster, their stride length shortens.  A quicker cadence is the mechanical key to faster running.

 

  • The finishing of a run that is longer than you’ve run in the last 3 weeks can bestow a sense of achievement that is unique and empowering-due to positive brain circuits that are turned on.

 

  • You can’t run a long run too slowly or take too many walk breaks.  You’ll get the same endurance based upon the distance covered.

Olympian Jeff Galloway has coached over a million runners to their goals through his clinics, wonderful retreats, training programs, books and e-coaching.  Sign up for his free newsletter at www.JeffGalloway.com. You can also find more information by going to http://www.runinjuryfree.com.

Looking to run a half marathon or marathon that goes beyond the ordinary?   RUN ITALY Tours offers more than others do and travel with “Coach Jeff”.
March 22, 2015 – Rome Marathon 26.2, 13.1 and 5K distances
Book and save up to $200 at www.RunITALY.com.  Offer expires 2/14/15.

Have a great Tuesday!

 As a Galloway blogger,  I’ve been provided tips by Jeff Galloway to share with my readers.  There is no compensation for this post.

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January 30, 2015 · 9:57 PM

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon New Orleans Recap Day 1: #RnRTWEETUP and Feed the Children


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Last weekend was absolutely amazing and I’ve been looking forward to sharing everything with y’all! Besides getting away for the weekend to run Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon on Sunday, the day before was equally exciting and fun!

On Saturday morning, we woke up super early and drove down to New Orleans so we could meet up with fellow bloggers for the #RnRTWEETUP at Cafe Du Monde. Thanks Dan (awesome PR guy) for braving the crowds and reserving tables for us!)

 

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Group selfie time!

 

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Partial shot of our team. (My husband was actually somewhere behind Dan’s head, lol.)

 

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More of our awesome group!

 

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We enjoyed chatting with Heather and her husband, Bobby, about kids, Disney World and running. (Be sure and check out her site: Through Heather’s Looking Glass.

 

We had so much fun getting to know everyone! There was lots of chatting, tweeting and of course, eating beignets and drinking coffee! While we were there, Angela from Race Addict  (and fellow Mississippi girl) stopped by to say hello. It was so nice getting to finally meet her in person!

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When everyone had had their fill of delicious beignets, we headed outside and took some group pictures of our team.

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10393657_781716968568608_4928724317734612796_nAfter our pictures, it was time to divide up and head over to the Feed the Children event. I didn’t really know what to expect but was really excited to go help out. When we got there, there were people already waiting in line outside. We headed inside and they sent us out back to a fenced in area where we received our volunteer shirts. We also had a quick little meeting and they explained what we needed to do.

 

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Saints punter, Thomas Morstead was there to help out too!

Saints punter, Thomas Morstead was there to help out too!

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Every single one of these boxes was given to families in need on Saturday. Amazing day!

 

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As families came in, they were able to get free hair cuts, lunch, frozen yogurt and boxes that had food, toiletry items, bags of fruit from Whole Foods and milk. There was also a medical team there so they could have health screenings done if they wanted to. 

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Helping out at the milk table.

 

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Goofing off before it started.

 

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I’m so thankful that we were able to help out with such a great cause! To see so many grateful, precious, smiling faces truly made me realize how important it is that we give back to those that are in need. I think that Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon giving back in this way is an awesome thing. And for those of you that joined Team Feed the Children, donated food, or sponsored a child – Thank YOU for making a difference in a child’s life!!

To find out how you can donate food, money or your time, you can go to http://www.feedthechildren.org/. You can also find them on their Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

More on the Expo and my 4th marathon in the next post!

 

 

 

Picture credits: Jason Mooney, Larisa Dixon, and Competitor Group

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April 15, 2014 · 5:10 PM

Introducing Beamly!


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This isn’t running related but is something I think you might be interested in checking out!

Have you heard of Beamly? I hadn’t until recently but think it’s a really great concept! With a busy household, my husband and I don’t get to watch a ton of TV shows (unless it’s on one of the many children’s channels) but when we do, we like to find a really great series or two to watch. Sometimes, it’s just as much fun to sit and talk about what happened or what we think/wish would happen next on those shows!

With Beamly, you can do just that! It’s a social network for TV where you can go chat with fellow fans and get the latest news and updates on all of your favorite shows!

Two of our favorite shows are Game of Thrones and The Blacklist. (By the way, am I the only one that thinks Red, played by James Spader, could be also be played by John Lithgow??)

NBCs-The-Blacklist

For the next 4 weeks, I’m collaborating with Beamly and will be contributing in some of the rooms. I’ve already set up my profile and would love for you to follow me so we can discuss our favorite shows! (New ones or the old stand-bys like Seinfeld.) You can use it on your computer or download the free app for iPhone, iPad, or Android.

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What are some of your favorite shows to watch? Are there some that we’re missing out on and need to watch?

Hope to see you there!

 

Beamly is THE 24 X 7 social and content network for TV and TV fans. Join me today in TV conversations and get the latest juice and gossip about your favorite shows!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Zeebox. The opinions and text are all mine.

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February 9, 2014 · 8:54 PM

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon New Orleans Recap and it’s My 4th Runniversary!


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On Sunday, February 2, 2014, I completed my 3rd marathon. Here’s the recap below!

A few weeks before the marathon, RnR Nola held a photo contest for King and Queen of RnR New Orleans and I was fortunate enough to win Queen!

We traveled down to New Orleans on Saturday and met up with my husband’s sister who was also running the marathon on Sunday. By the time we arrived, found somewhere to park and walked over, it was later in the afternoon and the Expo was getting close to shutting down.

I finally remembered to have my picture taken with my bib!

I finally remembered to have my picture taken with my bib!

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We made it in time to get a goofy picture taken at the Expo!

After checking out all the great booths at the Expo, we headed out to go eat an early dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in New Orleans, Dragos.

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We always like to get our picture taken outside with the big RnR Nola sign.

We headed back to our hotel after dinner and started prepping our gear and our minds for the next day. I was actually more nervous about speaking on stage in front of everyone than I was about running the marathon. We were, however, getting a little concerned about the forecast of rain and high humidity – not exactly ideal conditions but it is what it is. 

I was up at 4am (4AM!!) – not my typical wake up time on race mornings but since I had to be on stage by 6:15, I knew I’d better get started early. For someone that usually doesn’t head out to a race so early, I was really surprised at the tons of people that were already migrating towards the staging area. As soon as we got to the starting line/stage, I nervously made my way onto the stage and stood aside as they made their various announcements. I did remember to take a few pics from the stage while I waited!

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My view from the stage.

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Getting a quick picture made with the King, Tim Hinds.

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Interview time!

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Jason took this picture while waiting for me to speak.

Everything on stage went well and went by pretty fast. Before I knew it, I was gathering up my belongings and Jason and I were headed over to the VIP tent.

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A quick picture (via Instagram) before heading over to the gear check.

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Getting ready to check my gear and go to one last potty break before the race. (That weird looking concoction is Chia Fresca in my right hand.)

We made our way over to our corrals and got ready to tackle 26.2 miles for a 3rd time.

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My view on the front lines of Corral 15.

I was really trying to think positive and focus but in the back of my mind, I knew how bad my Plantar Fasciitis was hurting. It had gotten better in the weeks before the marathon. In fact, I was convinced that I was on the upswing and was doing much better. I was running consecutive longer runs with no pain (and that was a huge deal).  But…the day before the marathon, my foot was in horrible pain. I tried to think positive. I tried to visualize myself running with no pain. I did everything I knew to do but it didn’t work.  My plan was to run 2:30 and walk for 1:00. Every step hurt whether I was running or walking and I knew I was in trouble after the first mile but I tried to keep a positive attitude. I really wanted to get a PR from the year before but I knew that the weather and my foot were working against me. I had a pace band on my wrist and was very excited to see that was I on pace for the first several miles of the race. As my foot began to hurt me more, I began to notice my pace slipping a little bit. First, it was only a minute, then 3 mins, then 5 and soon 10. After that, I knew my goal wasn’t a PR but a finish. I cried a lot during this marathon. Honestly, I think I cried more this time than during my 1st.  At about mile 18, I had the privilege of seeing my husband on the course. He was on mile 21 and was a sight for sore eyes!! I’m sure I ran a little faster when I had him in my sight. He reached out his hand and took mine and gave me a quick kiss. It definitely carried me through those difficult miles on the hilly bridges.

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I’ve never been more thrilled to see that I had a 10K left to run!

As I mentioned earlier, the weather was crazy that day! It was humid, rainy at times and super foggy out by the river. I’ve never run in thick fog like that and it was very cool! When we ran past Jackson Square, it was eery to see only silhouettes of the statue and cathedral.

This gives you an idea of how thick the fog was down by the river. We took this later on that afternoon after the race.

This gives you an idea of how thick the fog was down by the river. We took this later on that afternoon after the race.

Out of 3 marathons, this one was my slowest but I didn’t give up and I finished. My official time was 5:56:40. All things considered, I’ll take it.

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I was one happy girl crossing the finish line!

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After the race, looking for food and a place to sit down.

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As you can see, I found both! 🙂

Besides the weather and foot problems, RnR Nola lived up to our expectations, as always. You can count on a well-organized race, lots of great music, crowd support like crazy and of course, awesome medals!

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I probably don’t have to tell you that I wore my medal all day the next day too. 🙂

By the way, yesterday was my 4th Runniversary! (This post was supposed to have gone up then – along with a run of 4 miles but a stomach bug decided to ruin all the fun.) Last year, I posted a recap of my running story that you can read here, if I haven’t bored you to tears already. 🙂

I also have an awesome giveaway going on with some great pages that you definitely don’t want to miss out on!! Click the picture and make sure you get your name in there for a chance to win!!

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Good luck and Happy Running!

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